English: Video recording for Wikimania 2023

Title: Wikimania 2023 Opening Ceremony and The Wikimedian of the Year Awards 2023
Speaker: Butch Bustria, Nur Fahmia, Mehrdad Pourzaki, Jimmy Wales
Abstract: The opening reception for Wikimania 2023 is a welcome event for all the participants of the conference, both in-person and online. The reception aims to provide an opportunity for networking, socializing, and celebrating the diversity and collaboration of the Wikimedia community. The reception will also feature a cultural showcase of the the East, South East Asia and the Pacific region.

The objectives of the opening reception are:

● To create a warm and friendly atmosphere for the attendees of Wikimania 2023
● To foster connections and interactions among the participants from different regions, languages, and projects
● To introduce and highlight the culture and heritage of the East, South East Asia and the Pacific, as well as its Wikimedia activities and initiatives
● To generate excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming sessions and programs of Wikimania 2023

The reception will consist of a few segments:

● Welcome remarks: The organizers of Wikimania 2023 will deliver a brief speech to welcome the participants, thank the volunteers and partners, and introduce the theme and agenda of the conference.
● Cultural showcase: A performing group will present a cultural performance, that reflect the diversity and richness of Asian culture.

The Wikimedian of the Year is an annual award that honors Wikimedians to highlight major achievements within the Wikimedia movement. It was established in August 2011 by Wikipedia’s co-founder Jimmy Wales. A selection committee selects the recipients and honors them at Wikimania, an annual conference of the Wikimedia Movement. The award celebrates the diversity, collaboration, and innovation of the Wikimedia community, as well as the impact and inspiration of the Wikimedia volunteers.

The objectives of the Wikimedian of the Year are:

● To recognize and appreciate the outstanding contributions and efforts of the Wikimedia volunteers in advancing the Wikimedia vision and mission
● To showcase and share the best practices and learnings from the Wikimedia projects, initiatives, and partnerships
● To inspire and motivate the Wikimedia community and the wider public to join and support the Wikimedia movement
● To foster a culture of excellence, recognition, and gratitude within the Wikimedia movement

The event will consist of four main segments:

Introduction: Jimmy Wales will deliver a brief speech to introduce the Wikimedian of the Year award, its history, criteria, and selection process. He will also highlight some of the achievements and challenges of the Wikimedia movement in the past year.

Award presentation: Jimmy Wales will announce and recognize the awardees on various categories such as Media Contributor of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Tech Contributor of the Year, and the Wikimedia Laureate. This is followed by the Honourable mentions and the main recipient of the Wikimedian of the Year. He will also share some of the reasons and stories behind their selection.

Recipient speech: The main recipient of the Wikimedian of the Year award will deliver a speech to express their gratitude, share their experiences and insights, and inspire others to join and support the Wikimedia movement.

Closing remarks: Jimmy Wales will deliver a closing remark to thank the recipients, attendees, volunteers, partners, and organizers for their participation and support. He will also invite everyone to join him for a cocktail reception and a photo opportunity. .

Presented at: Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Main Halls 401/402, 2023-08-16 from 09:00 to 11:00 UTC